Mapping the Active Ingredients of Arts in Health Activities: The INNATE Framework
The purpose of this study, which was published in the May 2022 issue of Wellcome Open Research, was to identify the active ingredients of arts in health activities to create a shared language, framework, and toolkit. This framework has the potential to support the design, implementation, and evaluation of arts in health activities, making them more consistent and evidence-based.
There is currently no consensus on what constitutes an arts in health program or which components contribute to its effectiveness in achieving health outcomes. Because these programs are multifaceted, evaluating and standardizing them can be challenging. Establishing a consensus and framework among experts is crucial to advancing the field and delivering evidence-based care to patients and communities. While this study did not explore the mechanisms of action or establish causal relationships, it mapped core components of arts in health programs.
In this study, arts in health was defined as interventions delivered in healthcare contexts, as part of healthcare referral pathways, or with specific health and wellbeing outcomes in mind. The study began with a scoping review of existing literature to identify the key active ingredients of arts in health programs. This review revealed three main categories: Project, People, and Context. Following the literature review, 64 participants were involved in semi-structured focus groups conducted between December 2020 and March 2021. The insights from these focus groups were then compiled to create the INNATE Framework and Worksheet.
The final framework identified 139 active ingredients, categorized into three broad groups:
1. Project: This category includes the attributes of the arts activity, such as its format, dose, design, and artistic content. It also encompasses the forms of engagement the project offers participants, which may include sensory, cognitive, creative, or physical movement experiences.
2. People: This category focuses on the social composition of participants, how they interact and engage with the activity, and their interactions with facilitators.
3. Context: This includes the setting of the activity, the environment, atmosphere, and how the project is set up. It also covers contextual factors that affect participants' access to the activity, such as economic resources, and recruitment and referral processes.
The worksheet developed from this study can be used in project planning and to guide practice-based program evaluations. Practitioners can use this tool to ensure that their arts in health programs are well-structured, inclusive, and effective.
For those interested in applying the INNATE Framework to their work, you can access the INNATE Framework and Worksheet here: https://osf.io/cgdtx . Additionally, you can view an example of how the framework is applied in practice here https://osf.io/mt2kq .
Reference
Warran K, Burton A, Fancourt D. What are the active ingredients of ‘arts in health’ activities? Development of the INgredients iN ArTs in hEalth (INNATE) Framework. Wellcome Open Res. 2022 Apr 29;7:10. doi: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.17414.2. PMCID: PMC9106992.